Knight's Prize

The Warrior Maids of Rivenloch #3

by Sarah McKerrigan (Original pen name), Glynnis Campbell

THE WARRIOR MAIDS OF RIVENLOCH…

Damsels in shining armor…riding to the rescue!

Deirdre, Helena, and Miriel, three kick-arse Scots wenches, aren’t about to become any man’s chattel, until they meet heroes who are strong enough to tame their wild ways and worthy enough to win their wayward hearts.

Miriel of Rivenloch may not have the killer instincts of her older sisters, but she’s keeping a dangerous secret. She knows more than she’s letting on about the mysterious Shadow, the forest outlaw who robs from the rich and gives to the poor. And when devil-may-care mercenary Sir Rand la Nuit, hot on the trail of The Shadow, claims to be in love with Miriel, she knows he’s hiding something, too. It’s a battle of wits as they race to uncover each other’s secrets before their make-believe romance takes on a life of its own.

Genres: Historical Romance, Romance, Historical, Historical Fiction, Medieval, Fiction, Erotica

ebook

First published January 1, 2007

About the author

From http://www.sarahmckerrigan.com/index...

Sarah McKerrigan is another pen name of GLYNNIS CAMPBELL. When she isn’t writing historical romance, she’s the voice of several cartoon characters, the wife of a rock star, and the mother of two nerdy kids.

She started her eclectic career as a ballerina in her hometown of Paradise, California, where she became the city’s Gold Nugget Queen. She graduated from CSU Chico with a degree in Music with Distinction, singing arias by day and playing rock and roll at night.

A lifelong love of towering castles, trusty swords, and knights (and damsels) in shining armor prompted Glynnis to try writing historical romance. Her premiere novel, MY CHAMPION, was a finalist for a RITA award. Her subsequent MY WARRIOR, MY HERO, and A KNIGHT’S VOW received multiple awards and critical acclaim.

Under the nom de plume of Sarah McKerrigan, Glynnis has written three medieval romance novels for Warner Books featuring kick-ass warrior wenches: LADY DANGER, CAPTIVE HEART, and KNIGHT’S PRIZE

Reviews

[Monique V · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is my favorite of the series so far!

This book was great. The banter, the passion and the love that blossomed was great!! I loved how the author kept you guessing who the shadow truly was. I thought I knew at one point but I turns out I didn't. I want a spinoff series!!! I really want more of these characters!

[WhatShouldIRead]

I'm sorry to say this book did not interest me. Aside from the fact that the heroine of the story was some sort of martial arts expert taught by her servant - which I found totally suspended my belief, though it may well have happened - this distracted me enough that I wasn't enjoying it. When reading one of these historical romances, I like to at least believe that it could have happened. Again, the martial arts thingy may well have been honed by 10th century maidens but I wasn't buying it.

Also, some of the language was pretty contemporary sounding, while other phrases weren't. I tried to look back to see if I could find an example but to be honest, I lost interest in looking.

This story may appeal to most people but this huge stumbling block really kept me from enjoying the story so I decided to put it aside.

[Ursula · Rating 2 out of 5]

This was my second visit to Rivenloch and the warrior Scottish maidens- and unfortunately, it was not as much fun as the first I read ( Lady Danger).
The youngest sister has developed ninja skills from a Chinese servant in the Scottish Highlands. Hmmm. Really?
At any rate, I didn't much like the womanising, arrogant hero, and the heroine's actions were often silly or just plain infantile.
The author writes quite nicely, so I may try another of hers further down the track, but this book was a struggle to get through. There was no real sexual tension or thrill in the plot, so I skim-read the second half.

[C Joy · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is my favorite in the series! The first two sisters are too much alike and their stories have the same plot, which ran simultaneously, while Miriel's story was vastly different from the two.

I really admire her wit and talent, and I'm constantly amused by Sung Li in that omniscient creepy way. I enjoyed the fight scenes, the weapons, and even their lies. Both Miriel and Rand were well-matched when it comes to cunning and deception.

The only things they can't fake are their attraction and lust for each other. I liked how unpredictable Miriel was and underneath that meek veneer was a passionate woman who's underestimated most of the time.

Highly recommended for an entertaining read!

[Wendy Tavenner · Rating 5 out of 5]

Just finished the 3rd book in the series and absolutely love the way Glynnis Campbell writes. I figured out in the 1st book who the Shadow was but it was great reading her own story!! Did not guess that Sung Li, Miriels maidservant was not a maid at all, hehe!!! Rand and Miriel were so perfect for each other. You have lies built on deception, then fun, passion and love all wrapped up in a great story!!!

[Sarah (is clearing her shelves) · Rating 3 out of 5]

I found some of the dialogue in this book a bit awkward and stilted. The romance was pretty good, but I wasn't a big fan of the 'Robin Hood is a girl using ninja skills' plot idea, I found it a bit silly.

[diana marcela Ballestas · Rating 3 out of 5]

Me ha gustado bastante esta trilogía, basada en mujeres guerreras q no se doblegan fácilmente ante una sociedad plenamente machista.
Historias fáciles de leer, amenas ydivertidas

[Shiran · Rating 5 out of 5]

”I fear my hapless heart has been claimed,” he gushed, “by none other than the youngest daughter of Rivenloch… Lady Mirable.”

I just knew this book was going to be the best in the series! I just knew Miriel was going to have some pretty intriguing secrets (even if I already figured the main one out) and I just knew she was so much more than the docile maid from the previous books… but I never expected Rand or the truth about Sung Li to be so unbelievably awesome.

The start of this book had me is hysterics and I found I immediately loved both Miriel and Rand. Between the way her sisters reacted, Rand’s reaction to their interrogation and Miriel’s impulsive rebellion I couldn’t stop laughing. Then we get the first taste of the Miriel/Rand story, we discover that they are both brilliant at telling “stories” and that their banter has no filter. I loved that Miriel was so bold and that she was so good at hiding how very well she run EVERYONE. From the moment she picked up on Rand’s deception I knew she was brilliant, and every time they shared a secret lie I had a smile on my face.

I knew that there would be some interesting elements in this story because we were going to see more of Sung Li, but damn… I didn’t see that coming! I loved the addition of Chinese culture and martial arts in Miriel’s world and I had a secret smile on my face the whole book, waiting in anticipation to see what it would be like when her sisters realised she was more of a warrior than them.

This was such a great trilogy and I’m so sad there are no more sisters to read about. But this series was my first by Glynnis Campbell and I will definitely be reading more of her books. She’s a phenomenal writer was an exceptional talent for sucking you into the old world and I can't wait to see what else she has to offer.

[Teresa Kleeman · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a great book. Miriel of Rivenloch is a gentlewoman by day and at night a outlaw. Sir Rand La Nuit is not who he appears to be.

These two have an instant chemistry. Both of them are the master of lies. They both have their secrets. Sir Rand is a Mercenary who is coming to Rivenloch under the guise of being a Knight from Morbroch. His story is he's their to court and woo Miriel. Miriel is using him because of of everyone thinks she's still a child.

Miriel is always the well behaved daughter, her two older sisters are warrior maidens and they are known for their fighting skills. Miriel is known for balancing the books for her family.

Both Miriel and Rand have their secrets and this book is a wonderful adventure of unraveling theirs. Sarah has told a wonderful story of Knights and maidens. This book is funny and has so many surprises. I really enjoyed this book. This was the first for me from this author. I won this book in a contest and I'm so glad. I would definitely buy another book from her. I don't think you will be disappointed.

[Galina Sulaiman · Rating 5 out of 5]

I won this book from the author in a contest , she is a new author for me. Let me tell you, I LOVED this book! I loved all of the characters from main ones Miriel and Rand to the servant Sung Li, her sisters were great as well, such an unusual warrior family! Rand comes to Mirials family castle home Rivenloch under the guise of wooing her, she plays along wanting to know what it is he's really about. He is really looking for the outlaw known as the Shadow. They are both full of mysteries , secrets and fire. They both had me laughing and shaking my head at there antics, both imps that are hopelessly drawn to the other. The journey this book takes you on is full of thrills and laughter to boot! I loved the premise of women warriors and men strong enough yet secure enough to let their women be who they are! Bravo to the author for bringing me into the story ! I swear I could hear the grunts and swish of sword in my bedroom! Highly recommend this book!

[Mary · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a fun story featuring a mercenary knight hunting for a forest outlaw and the third daughter of Rivenloch whom everyone assumes is meek and mild (at least compared to her warrior sisters). The fun starts right away when Miriel and Rand meet in public for the first time. Each one knows the other is hiding a secret, but they jump right in to a farce of a courtship. They just don't know how deep the secrets go.

I liked how they spent time getting to know each other after claiming to have met and fallen in love previously. Rand begins to feel at home in Rivenloch while training with the other knights. And Miriel finds someone who finally sees all that she does to keep the castle going. The fight scenes are unique and are described so well. There are even literal explosions! The chemistry is great between Miriel and Rand, and they go through quite a bit of angst until their secrets are revealed. The motto of this book might be "if you can't kill 'em, might as well love 'em!"

[Kathleen Ruggio · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Favorite

Muriel, the third sister of the renowned Warrior Maids of Rivenloch, was known to be gentile and a perfect lady. Her sisters on the other hand, wild and rough. Little did anyone know that she held her own secrets. Into her life, Rand, a mercenary comes to capture a local thief named the shadow. He lies and says he coming as a suitor for Miriel. He holds his own secrets as well. I chuckled throughout this book and the storyline is genius. This for me was the best in the series and the steam is definitely in the stars. For adult readers. Keep these kinds of stories coming Glynnis!

[Kathleen · Rating 5 out of 5]

The warrior maids of Rivenloch are trained by their father to be fearsome Knights. They have vowed not to marry until they find Knights to tame their ways. Dierdre, Helena and Muriel are the maids. The youngest,Muriel,is not as apt to fight as her sisters are. However, Muriel has a hidden secret which involves the Shadow bandit if the forest. One day a knight comes calling and is intrigued by Muriel. Will Muriel's secret found out? What secrets does Sir Rand da Nuit hold as he searches for the Shadow? This is a story full of history, mystery and romance. I highly recommend this book.

[Agnes · Rating 2 out of 5]

I skipped Helena's story for this 3rd book, in part because Miriel intrigued me from the first book, and also because I wanted to see if my hunch about The Shadow's true identity was correct. It was. Although the plot trajectory was quite predictable, the sparring, verbal and otherwise, between the protagonists kept the story interesting and fun.

[Kath · Rating 5 out of 5]

The final book in this series, there were lots of surprises, Many characters were not as they seemed. My goodness there were some heart stopping moments. I don't want to give anything away. This has been a fabulous series, one I would highly recommend.

[Marie Staton · Rating 5 out of 5]

My favorite book of the series.

Glenn's combines Norman, Scottish, and a Chinese theme all in one book. Keeps the characters of the previous stories which I enjoyed. Muriel and Rand complement each other's character so well. The mixture of humor, deceit, love, can't put it down.

[Jennifer Prescott · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this story most of The Warrior Maids of Rivenloch. Loved Miriel, her fascination with ancient warfare when she is supposed to be the gentler sister was awesome. Rand was a great pairing for her, and their interest in each other is incendiary! (Read as part of "Maids with Blades Box Set".)

[Tracy Fritts · Rating 5 out of 5]

These book kept my interested and I enjoyed reading these story. I read these book before reading the first two in the series. Plenty of action and loads of passion.

[Nishalini Balakrishnan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sir Rand oh gosh how makes me blush. When daydreaming are boring with her books.😍😍😍😍

[Ann Gonzalez · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was a great addition to the series. Miriel and Rand made a lovely couple, especially once they stopped lying and deceiving the other. Glynnis is a fantastic author.

[Romanticamente Fantasy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Il premio di un Cavaliere è il terzo volume della saga delle Fanciulle Guerriere di Rivenloch che ha come protagonista Miriel, la più piccola delle sorelle. Miriel sembra, dai primi volumi, molto diversa dalle sorelle più grandi: è mite e gentile, paziente e cortese, non avvezza all’uso delle armi anche se le colleziona; insomma è la sorella più femminile e simile alle altre fanciulle del suo tempo. Sembra….. .

Siamo ancora a Rivenloch sulla frontiera scozzese. E’ l’estate del 1136 e Sir Pagan Cameliard ha ricevuto l’ordine da Re David di recarsi e Rivenloch, al cospetto di lord Gellir. Il vecchio gentiluomo è molto debole, sconvolto nell’animo dalla morte della sua amata moglie, Lady Edwina e non ha un erede ma solo tre figlie Deirdre, Helena e Miriel. Sir Pagan Cameliard sposa Deirdre e il suo fidato braccio destro, Sir Colin Du Lac, si accasa con la secondogenita Helena. Miriel sembra impegnata a far andare avanti il castello, organizzando le forniture per il clan rifugiandosi spesso nelle cantine, in un piccolo ufficio dove aggiorna i libri mastri della proprietà. Questa è la sua occupazione principale, non è portata per il combattimento… Forse.

La zona è interessata dalle attività di uno strano fuorilegge: una sorta di Robin Hood, che ruba ai ricchi per dare a….. non proprio poveri, chiamato l’ombra. L’ombra intercetta gli ospiti di Rivenloch che hanno battuto a carte Lord Gellir, approfittando della sua apatia e del suo torpore, quando lasciano il castello derubandoli delle vincite. E’ un ladro scaltro e inafferrabile con doti guerriere stupefacenti.

Il mercenario, sir Rand la Nuit, giunge al castello incaricato dal suo signore di catturare l’ombra. Si presenta a Rivenloch con un altro nome, mentendo sulle sue doti di spadaccino, per trovare e catturare l’ombra, un furfante ritenuto simpatico dagli abitanti della fortezza che difendono e proteggono.

Tra i due, Miriel e Rand, è subito attrazione: il duello tra i due, almeno all’inizio, è di tipo intellettivo; sono due persone sagaci e scaltre con dei segreti da nascondere. Successivamente lo scontro diventa anche fisico, Miriel infatti non smentisce il DNA famigliare secondo cui le fanciulle di Rivenloch sono tutte delle guerriere senza eccezione.

Penso che la trilogia con questo volume si sia chiusa in bellezza. Questo è il libro che mi è piaciuto di più, tra i tre. Anche in questo racconto i rapporti tra i protagonisti sono, come per gli altri, molto divertenti e spassosi. I personaggi femminili hanno molta personalità e carattere, affrontano la vita con coraggio e determinazione in un momento storico in cui il ruolo femminile era derubricato ai margini della società. Questo lo avevamo già visto nei volumi precedenti: già nel primo e secondo libro abbiamo potuto conoscere un po’ Miriel e la stranissima e anziana serva cinese che la segue ovunque. Ma in questo libro c’è qualcosa in più: l’intelligenza e la sagacia dei protagonisti, la strategia e le mosse di entrambi, l’uno alla ricerca dei segreti dell’altra e viceversa. Una partita a scacchi avvincente e appassionante, chi vincerà? Le vicende sono descritte molto bene, i dialoghi divertenti e vivaci, il libro, insomma, è coinvolgente e trascinante con un finale all’altezza di questa bella saga.

E.L. Corner - per RFS

[Dianne V. Weems · Rating 4 out of 5]

When The Night Swallowed The Shadow

Rand la Nuit the Mercenary was hired to capture the mysterious Shadow. The outlaw Shadow was a figure of mystic daring to rob those that traveled through the woods of their purse and disappearing as though never having been there. He was the hero of legends. Rand came pretending to be in pursuit of Miriel of Rivenloch the youngest of the Warrior Maids of Rivenloch to court as a fiancee. He actually was hired to capture the Shadow for a large reward and this was his cover story. Miriel was actually the Shadow trained by her Chinese Master Sung Li secretly with not even her family aware of this well hidden secret. She spyed Rand when he entered the woods and knew he lied about his purpose, but figured to trap him in his lies. This turned out to be harder than she thought and they began a pretend relationship that soon turned out to be more than either could handle. Their chemistry was hot and soon got out of hand and though she knew why he was there she still couldn't give him up.
This love affair was a whirlwind that in spite of her sense of betrayal when he captured her Chinese Master Sung Li and he was to die the next morning. She accepted his vow of love and he joined her to rescue Sing Li using Greek Fire as a secret weapon to cause confusion and free him. This was effective and they got away unscathed.
This was a real love story from the very beginning and a fun read.

[Neus Gutiérrez · Rating 3 out of 5]

En este libro lo que me ha gustado, es casi lo mismo que no.
Yo venía a este libro esperando a una Miriel suave, sencilla, completamente opuesta a sus hermanas. Esa hermana sumisa y dulce, en contraposición a las dos guerreras de Rivenloch. Por eso mismo el plot de este libro me ha sorprendido tantísimo y me ha parecido muy original. Creo que si te fijas un poco más, o si le das más vueltas, es verdad que puedes ver algunas pistas en los dos anteriores, pero de primeras no me lo esperaba y eso se lo reconozco.

*CUIDADO SPOILERS*
¿Qué problema hay? Pues que no me he creído la historia. Me explico. Me parece un plot original, me parece interesante y entretenido, y los 2 personajes están bien creados. La cosa está en que la trama del esclavo chino que enseña prácticamente a ser ninja a la protagonista, con todo el follón de la Sombra, la Noche y de más... Estamos en pleno siglo XII en Escocia. ¿Un esclavo chino enseñando técnicas y artes marciales asiáticas a una chiquilla? ¿De verdad? Quizá sí, pero para mí ha sido bastante incoherente y estaba un poco entre la risa y el wtf.
Positivo de su historia, me ha gustado como han jugado los dos al engaño y una vez más me encanta la carga sexual que aporta la autora al libro. Una novela romántica sí, con buen sexo, sí, sin mojigaterías, ni pamplinas. Bien. Pero se ha quedado un poco floja con ese momento de ¿estamos viendo águila roja en escocia o cómo va? Sorry.

[Cherie · Rating 2 out of 5]

The reader knows the true identity of Rand and knows about Miriel's talents but each of them do not know the truth about each other. I'm at 85% and each of them knows the truth and they are in a fight to the death. Miriel is angry as hell with the betrayal and Rand is confused that there seems to be a second Shadow until he unveils Miriel. He is now on the defense as he still loves her and certainly doesn't want to hurt her but she is not giving quarter. They are now at a standstill and I've decided the whole direction this has gone is too stupid. I don't seem to care how it's going to pan out, my curiosity has left the building. It's too over dramatized. I always say deception in romance is unrealistic because no one falls in love with someone who has betrayed them. These two have each betrayed the other for various reasons.

I had high hopes.

[Mak ♡ · Rating 4 out of 5]

Stars: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Wonderful: 🥰🥰🥰🥰
Hot: 🔥🔥

Essa é uma outra releitura de alguns anos atrás... Eu adoro essa série, claro que meu favorito é o segundo livro..
Porém Miriel é uma guerreira, e muito bem treinada.. Sua função é proteger o pai, que vive perdendo os fundo do castelo para homens no jogo.. Porém toda guerreira merece um guerreiro, e como suas irmãs, ela encontra o amor nós braços de Sir Rand la Nuit... Ele é um guerreiro e se encanta pela a guerreira de Rivenloch... Miriel é uma mulher com um segredo que vem escondendo de suas irmãs a bastante tempo... E esse segredo é o que a une mais ainda a seu grande guerreiro..
Adoro... 😍 Happy reading, and until the next reading...

[Miranda Summerset · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5/5 STARS! Whew, talk about kickarse female characters and a steamy romance that heats your blood up, & you've got a fun and hot read. Loved the unique plot, & I love how the women were warriors too. This is book 3 in series, but can be read as a standalone. This was definitely an entertaining love story unlike any I've read & I definitely recommend for anyone in the mood for a bit of Scottish spice.

[Tina · Rating 4 out of 5]

I just found this series and had it read in a few days. I fell in love with each sister. What i like most is the confidence and drive these women posses. I love the no nonsense female pov. I found myself pumping fists in the air because of these strong female roles. If you want bad ass heorins with sharp tounges these books are for you

[Shirley Hamlod · Rating 5 out of 5]

In this third instalment, we find out who the man worthy of Miriel is. We also find out the identity of The Shadow. Miriel and Rand seem an unlikely pairing but somehow their relationship works. This book had me chuckling at times as the humour is good. Both have their deep secrets to hide from everyone but all is revealed by the end of the book.

[Billye Herndon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Muriel, the little sister to the Warrior Maids of Ravenloch, is not what she seems. Rand of Morbroch isn’t what he seems. The connection between them is immediate but can they find love in spite of the lies?

They story is not smooth or without perils. Read to see if they can find true love.

This is my honest review.

[AmazingJ · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful, Entertaining, Delightful & Romantic.

I truly enjoyed reading the Series of the Rivenloch Sisters. What an Amazing Story for each Sister & how Tough & headstrong they were. The Youngest Sister being the most Amazing & Secretive of the 3. Her boldness & her Will to deceive everyone had my head stuck in the Book until I completely finished reading it.